Minding Your Heart . . .

“More than all else, to be watched over and protected (as something in a confined place) it is imperative that you preserve and keep your heart sensitive; because from within it comes divine direction for your life.” Paraphrase of Proverbs 4:23

Do you mind your heart? This paraphrase of Proverbs 4:23 caught my mind when I heard it spoken. I’ve always liked this proverb which in the NIV says: “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.”

Some of my favorite verses regarding the heart are:

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.” Deuteronomy 6:5,6 Love God and know His word. It keeps the heart healthy. It provides guidance as you go through each day. And when the need arises, you know where to go to receive answers.

“. . . since you know his heart (for you alone know the hearts of all men)”, 1 Kings 8:39 There is nothing we can think, do or say that God doesn’t already know what is in our hearts. There is comfort in knowing He knows everything. Even when you are wrong, God knows. God cares. God works.

“I myself will see him with my own eyes—I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!”Job 19:27 I’ve always loved the book of Job because of the Lord’s exchange with Job in Chapters 38 through 42. God knows and created everything. There is nothing God doesn’t know. My heart does yearn within me to be with God. We can have complete assurance that we will be with God when our days on earth are over if Christ is our Lord and Savior. There is no guessing.

“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10 To will one thing . . . that is a pure heart; steadfast spirit . . . that is being firm in belief. Basic principles in living the Christian life.

“From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” Psalm 61:2 This is one of the first psalms I became acquainted with as a new believer. My sister and brother-in-law directed me to it for comfort. The rock is strong and steady and all I need when my heart grows faint.

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Luke 12:34 A number of times in previous posts I’ve mentioned treasures I find along the way. Those treasures come from a heart full of thanks for God. His creation, the beauty of life . . . His word, the food of life.

“Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Hebrews 12:3 With your mind always on Jesus, who overcame death so that we can live, you can overcome the trials of life.

Do you mind your heart? It is the wellspring of life.